PNP receives report of alleged beheading of German kidnap victim

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27): PNP receives report of alleged beheading of German kidnap victim

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has received intelligence report that German national Juergen Kanther has been beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, however, said that such report from the intelligence community remains to be validated.

Dela Rosa, in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City, stressed that until the victim's body has been recovered, as far as the investigation purposes are concerned, the victim cannot be considered as dead.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla earlier Monday said that the military is still validating reports of the alleged beheading, and until there is evidence to prove such reports, the presumption is that the victim is still alive.

Reports indicate that Kanther was allegedly beheaded by the group of Abu Rami on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. after the deadline set by the ASG for the payment of PHP30-million ransom had expired.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=967480